Airless dispensing pump with tamper evidence features

ABSTRACT

An airless dispenser pump assembly includes a pump mechanism with an inlet valve that is configured to efficiently pump viscous fluids and that is able to be pre-primed when the pump mechanism is attached to a container. In one form, the inlet valve includes a seal member that seals an inlet port of the pump and an outer support member that secures the inlet valve to the rest of the pump mechanism. Two or more legs generally extend in a circumferential direction between the support member and the seal member in order to create a large flow opening for fluid flow through the inlet valve when opened and to rapidly close the inlet valve. The pump mechanism further includes an outlet valve that is configured to draw fluid back from a nozzle of the pump after dispensing in order to minimize build up around the nozzle.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/204,848, filed Aug. 16, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/930,010,filed Aug. 30, 2004, which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to airless dispensing pumps, andmore specifically, but not exclusively, concerns an airless dispensingpump with tamper evidence features.

Airless type pumps have been developed for a wide range applicationsincluding dispensing personal care products, such as skin creams, skinlotions, toothpaste and hair gels, as well as food sauces, and the like.Many such products deteriorate rapidly when placed in contact with airand so it is important to prevent air from entering the package whendispensing the product. In typical dispensing pump applications, air isallowed to enter the container via a venting path in order to equalizethe pressure inside the pack as product is dispensed. Were this not thecase, the container would progressively collapse or, in the case ofrigid containers, the increasing vacuum in the container would exceedthe ability of the dispensing pump to draw product out of the container.

With conventional dispensing pumps having a suction pipe or tube, theability to evacuate the entire contents of the container is relativelypoor for viscous products. Usually, the viscous product, such as acream, is drawn up the suction pipe, which initially works well, but theviscous product does not self-level. As a result, a cavity or hole isformed in the surface of the product to a point where the dispensingpump dispenses only air because it is unable to dispense the productthat remains adhered to the sidewalls of the container. As a result, itis common for only about 50% to 60% of the total pack contents of theviscous product to be dispensed with conventional dispensing pumps.

In airless type dispensing systems, there are two common ways toovercome the above-mentioned problems, either by using a collapsible bagtype design or by using a follower piston type design. With thecollapsible type design, a collapsing bag is attached to the dispensingpump, which progressively collapses as the contents are removed. In thefollower piston type design, a rigid container, usually cylindrical oroval in form, has a follower piston that progressively reduces thecontainer volume as product is drawn out by the dispensing pump.

In either type of airless dispensing system, initial priming of the pumpmechanism can be somewhat difficult due to the viscous nature of thecontents. Even when properly primed, the pump mechanism may not dispensea sufficient amount of fluid due to constrictions within the pumpingmechanism, especially the valves. With viscous products, the valveswithin the pump mechanism need to provide relatively large flowopenings, but at the same time, close rapidly to ensure that the productis efficiently pumped. Due to differences in viscosities of variousproducts, it is difficult to easily and inexpensively reconfigure thepumping mechanism to accommodate products with different properties. Itis also desirable for a number of products, such as pharmaceuticals, tonot come in contact with metal, which can tend to contaminate thepharmaceutical product, and therefore, there is a need to minimize oreven eliminate metallic component contact within the pumping mechanism.In typical airless pump designs, after dispensing, product may remain atthe outlet of the dispensing head where the product may dry or hardendue to contact with air. The dried product usually creates an unsightlyappearance, and sometimes can lead to clogging of the outlet. Duringshipment, container leakage is always a concern. With pharmaceuticals,food products, personal hygiene products as well as other products whereproduct safety is a concern, a clearly identifiable tamper evidencefeature for the container and pump mechanism is needed.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention concerns an airless dispenser pumpassembly. The assembly includes a pump mechanism that defines a pumpcavity with an inlet port through which viscous fluid from a containeris supplied. The pump mechanism includes a piston slidably received inthe pump cavity to pump the fluid from the pump cavity. An outlet valvemember is configured to permit flow of the viscous fluid out of the pumpcavity during a dispensing stroke of the piston and to form a vacuum inthe pump cavity during an intake stroke of the piston. An inlet valvemember covers the inlet port, and the inlet valve member includes anouter support member and an inner seal member that is sized to seal theinlet port during the dispensing stroke of the piston. Two or moreconnection legs connect the outer support member to the inner sealmember for rapidly closing the inlet port during the dispensing strokeof the piston. At least one of the connection legs includes acircumferential portion that extends in a circumferential directionaround the seal member to provide a large flow aperture for the viscousfluid between the legs during the intake stroke of the piston.

Another aspect concerns a dispenser pump valve that includes a valveopening and a valve member. The valve member includes an outer supportmember disposed around the valve opening and an inner seal member thatis sized to seal the valve opening. Two or more connection legs connectthe outer support member to the inner seal member. At least one of theconnection legs includes a portion that extends in a peripheral manneraround the inner seal member.

A further aspect concerns a dispenser pump assembly that includes a pumpmechanism that defines a pump cavity. The pump mechanism includes aninlet valve member for controlling flow of fluid into the pump cavityand a piston slidably received in the pump cavity to pump the fluid fromthe pump cavity. The piston defines a flow passage through which thefluid from the pump cavity is pumped. A pump head has a dispensingoutlet fluidly coupled to the flow passage for dispensing the fluid. Anoutlet valve member is received in the flow passage of the piston forcontrolling flow of the fluid out of the pump cavity. The flow passageincludes a first portion sized to create a piston like fit between thefirst portion and the outlet valve member for drawing the fluid backfrom the dispensing outlet after the fluid is dispensed. The secondportion is sized larger than the first portion to allow the fluid toflow around the outlet valve member during dispensing of the fluid.

Still yet another aspect concerns a technique for pre-priming a pump.The pump includes an inlet valve member that seals an inlet port of thepump. The inlet valve member includes an outer support member, an innerseal member that seals the inlet port and at least two connection legsthat connect the outer support member to the inner seal member. Acontainer is filled with fluid through a top opening of the container.The pump is primed by securing the pump to the top opening of thecontainer so that pressure of the fluid inside the container opens theinlet valve member to at least partially fill the pump cavity with thefluid.

A further aspect concerns a dispenser pump assembly. The assemblyincludes a container that includes a skirt flange with a skirt groove. Apump with a skirt is received in the skirt groove. The skirt includes abreak tab that is configured to form a grip opening once the break tabis removed that permits removal of the pump from the container.

Another aspect concerns a pump assembly that includes an airlessdispensing pump. The pump includes a pump head that is moveable in atelescoping fashion to pump a fluid and a nozzle opening from where thefluid is pumped. A tamper evidence band is wrapped around the pump headto prevent movement of the pump head in the telescoping fashion. Thetamper evidence band has a nozzle plug received in the nozzle opening,and the tamper evidence band has a breakable portion configured to breakthe band upon the user pulling on the nozzle plug for permittingmovement of the pump.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, andembodiments of the present invention will become apparent from adetailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid dispensing assemblyaccording one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 assembly during adispensing stroke.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a pump body used in the FIG. 1 assembly.

FIG. 4 is a front, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 3 pump body.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an inlet valve for the FIG. 1 assembly.

FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 5 inlet valve.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pump cylinder for the FIG. 1assembly.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a piston in the FIG. 1 assembly.

FIG. 9 is a front, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 8 piston.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a plug in the FIG. 1 assembly.

FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 10 plug.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an airless dispensing pump assembly accordingto another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 12 pump assembly.

FIG. 14 is a side, cross-sectional view of a container for the FIG. 12pump assembly.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the FIG. 14 container.

FIG. 16 is a side, cross-sectional view of a follower piston for theFIG. 12 pump assembly.

FIG. 17 is a side, cross-sectional view of a pump shroud for the FIG. 12pump assembly.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pump body for the FIG. 12 pumpassembly.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the FIG. 18 pump body.

FIG. 20 is a side, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 18 pump body.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the FIG. 18 pump body.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a spring cover for the FIG. 12 pumpassembly.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the FIG. 22 spring cover.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 22 spring cover as takenalong line 24-24 in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 22 spring cover as takenalong line 25-25 in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged bottom view of a pump head for the FIG. 12 pumpassembly.

FIG. 27 is a side, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 26 pump head.

FIG. 28 is a side, cross-sectional view of a piston for the FIG. 12 pumpassembly.

FIG. 29 is a side, cross-sectional view of a pump cylinder for the FIG.12 pump assembly.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of a nozzle plug for the FIG. 12 pump assembly.

FIG. 31 is a side, cross-sectional view of a pump assembly thatincorporates a tamper evidence strap according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 31 pumpassembly.

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the FIG. 31 tamper evidence strap.

FIG. 34 is a partial, perspective view of a pump assembly according toanother embodiment with a wrap under tamper evidence plug in an unlockedposition.

FIG. 35 is a partial, perspective view of the FIG. 34 pump assembly withthe wrap under tamper evidence plug in the locked position.

FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of a pump assembly with ananti-rotation tab according to still yet another embodiment.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the FIG. 36 pumpassembly.

FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view of a pump assembly accordinganother embodiment with a first plug of a dual plug nozzle coverinserted into a nozzle opening.

FIG. 39 is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 38 pump assembly withthe first plug detached from the rest of the dual plug nozzle cover.

FIG. 40 is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 38 pump assembly witha second plug of the dual plug nozzle cover inserted into the nozzleopening.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a pump assembly with a nozzle coversheet according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a side view of a pump assembly with a tamper evidence capaccording to yet another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the described embodiments, and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail;although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art thatsome features that are not relevant to the present invention may not beshown for the sake of clarity.

An airless pump assembly 30 according one embodiment, among others, ofthe present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, thepump assembly 30 includes a container 32 for storing fluid, a followerpiston 34 received in the container 32, a pump 37 for pumping fluid fromthe container 32, and a cap 39 that covers the pump 37. FIGS. 1 and 2show two cross-sectional elevations, one of which, FIG. 1, shows thefollower piston 34 at the bottom of the container 32 with the pump 37 atthe top of its stroke, and the other, FIG. 2, shows the follower piston34 at the point where virtually the entire contents of the container 32have been dispensed with the pump 37 at the bottom of its stroke. Itshould be noted that directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top”,“bottom”, “left” and “right”, will be solely used for the convenience ofthe reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of theillustrated embodiments, and that the use of these directional terms inno way limits the illustrated features to a specific orientation. Thepump assembly 30 will be described with reference to a follower pistontype system, but it should be realized that selected features from theassembly 30 can be adapted for use with other types of pumping systems,such as with a collapsible bag type airless dispenser pump.

With reference to FIG. 1, the follower piston 34 is slidably receivedinside a cavity 43 in the container 32, and the follower piston 34 hasupper and lower seal members 44 that seal against the container 32. Anupstanding ring or support 46 at base 47 of the container 32 preventsthe follower piston 34 being pushed too far into the base 47 of thecontainer 32 during packing, thereby minimizing the risk of damage tothe lower piston seal member 44. As fluid is dispensed from thecontainer 32, a slight vacuum is formed, and consequently, the followerpiston 34 slides up the cavity 43 to reduce the effective size of thecavity 43. At the base 47, the container 32 has one or more vent grooves49 as well another opening (not show) that vent the container 32 inorder to prevent a vacuum from forming between the underside of thefollower piston 34 and the base 47 of the container 43 as the followerpiston 34 moves progressively upwards during dispensing. The base 47 ofthe container 32 further has a drive dog 52, which allows the outside ofthe container 32 to be printed. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainer 32 as well as other components have a generally cylindricalshape, but it should be appreciated that these components can be shapeddifferently in other embodiments.

In the pump assembly 30, the pump 37 is secured to the container 32through a snap fit type connection. Nevertheless, it should beappreciated that the pump 37 can be secured to the container 32 in othermanners. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pump 37 includes a pump body 55that is secured to the container 32, an inlet valve member 57 thatcontrols the flow of fluid into the pump 37, a pump cylinder 60 in whicha pump piston 61 is slidably disposed, an outlet valve member 64, a pumphead 66 for dispensing the fluid, a return spring 67 and a nozzle plug68. Looking at FIGS. 3 and 4, the pump body 55 has one or more ridges 72that snap into corresponding grooves in the container 32. The pump body55 further has a cap groove 74 to which the cap 39 is secured and aretention flange 75 positioned between the ridges 72 and the cap groove74. At one end, the pump body 55 defines an inlet port 77 through whichfluid is received from the container 32, as is illustrated in FIG. 4.Around the inlet port 77, the pump body 55 has a seal ridge or seat 80that biases against and seals with the inlet valve member 57, andsurrounding the seal ridge 80, the pump body 55 further has a valveretainer ridge 82 that aligns the inlet valve member 57 over the inletport 77.

The inlet valve member 57 has a unique design that provides a number ofadvantages when dispensing viscous creams or other viscous fluids. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inlet valve member 57 has generallyflat disk shape, but as should be understood, the inlet valve member 57can have a different overall shape in other embodiments. The inlet valvemember 57 includes an outer peripheral ring or support member 85 and aninner seal member 87 that is connected to the outer support member 85through two or more connection legs 88. The outer support member 85 inthe embodiment shown is in the form of a continuous ring, but it isenvisioned that the outer support member 85 can have a different overallshape. For example, the outer support member 85 in other embodiments caninclude discontinuous segments. In the illustrated embodiment, the inletvalve member 57 has three legs, but in other embodiments, the valve 57can have two or even more than three legs. Each leg 88 includes an outerportion 90 that generally extends radially inwards from the outersupport member 85 and an inner portion 91 that extends radially outwardsfrom the seal member 87. Between the outer 90 and inner 91 portions,each leg 88 has a circumferential portion 92 that extends between thesupport member and the seal member 87 in a circumferential directionsuch that the leg 88 generally extends around the periphery of the sealmember 87. As shown, the legs 88 are surrounded on both sides by flowapertures 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer 90 and inner 91portions of each leg 88 are radially offset about equidistantly from oneanother, which in this case is about one-hundred and twenty degrees(120°), so that the legs 88 are generally in the form of equal arcsegments. In another embodiment where two legs 88 are used instead ofthree, the legs 88 almost form one-hundred and eighty degree (180°) arcsegments, thereby allowing further lengthening the legs 88 for a givensize of the inlet valve member 57. The length and shape of the legs 88ensures that the inner seal member can lift from the seat 80 to enablethe creation of a series of large openings through the apertures 94,which allow the easy flow of viscous fluid into the pump 37. By havingthe legs 88 extend in a circumferential or peripheral manner, the legs88 can be longer than if they just extended in a radial direction, andwith the legs 88 being longer, larger flow openings can be formed. Notonly does the design of the inlet vale 57 allow large apertures to becreated for the easy flow of viscous fluid; it just as importantlyallows the inlet valve member 57 to close in an extremely quick manner.With two or more legs 88 pulling around the seal member 87, the sealmember 87 is able to quickly seal against the seat 80. The speed withwhich the seal member 87 closes onto the valve seat 80 can also beadjusted either by changing the width, thickness and/or number of thelegs 88, or by using a more or less rigid material. Consequently, thepumping action of the pump 37 can be modified to accommodate fluids withdifferent characteristics by simply replacing the inlet valve member 57with one having different properties. For example, it was discoveredthat using three equally sized legs 88 provided desirable flow openingsizes as well as favorable closing characteristics.

In one embodiment, the inlet valve member 57 is made of plastic in orderto avoid product contamination with metal. As noted before, it isdesirable that pharmaceutical products do not come into contact withmetal in order to avoid contamination. In one particular form, it wasfound that the inlet valve member 57 works well when produced with apolyolefin material (polyethylene/polypropylene family), which can berelatively inexpensive. It is contemplated that the inlet valve member57 can be made of other materials, however. For instance, the inletvalve member 57 can also be made in more sophisticated polymers inapplications requiring operation in heat or where chemical compatibilityis a factor. Except for the spring 67 and possibly the outlet valvemember 64, all remaining components of the assembly 30 can be producedwith polyolefin materials, which tend to reduce manufacturing costs.However, it should be understood that the components of the assembly 30in other embodiments can be made of different materials, such as metal,if so desired.

Looking again at FIGS. 1 and 2, when assembled into the pump 37, theinlet valve member 57 is sandwiched between the pump body 55 and thepump cylinder 60. The pump body 55 in FIG. 4 has a connector 98 thatextends around inlet port 77 as well as the valve retainer ridge 82.Inside, the connector 98 has one or more snap grooves 99 that receivecorresponding snap ridges 101 on a body engagement flange 103 thatextends from the pump cylinder 60, which is illustrated in FIG. 7. Atone end of the pump cylinder 60, facing the inlet valve member 57, aretention ridge 105 on the pump cylinder 60 clamps against the supportmember 85 on the inlet valve member 57. This ensures that the inletvalve member 57 cannot escape and is always held in correct relationshiprelative to the inlet port 77 in the pump body 55. In order to ensurerapid priming, the seal member 87 is biased to the closed position bythe seat 80 around the inlet port 77 of the pump body 55 so that theinlet valve member 57 becomes virtually airtight during the initialpriming of the pump 37. The amount of pre-load bias can be varieddepending on the particular requirements. For example, the seat 80 inone embodiment extends about 0.3 mm high around the inlet port 77.

The pump cylinder 60 defines a pump cavity or chamber 108 in which thepiston 61 is slidably received. Although the pump cylinder 60 and cavity108 in FIG. 7 are generally cylindrical in shape, it is envisioned thatthey can have a different overall shape in other embodiments, such as arectangular shape. A piston guide 110 with a guide opening 112 extendswithin the pump cavity 108 of the pump cylinder 60, and a guide flange114 extends around the guide opening 112. Together, the piston guide 110and the guide flange 114 define a spring retention groove 115 in whichthe spring 67 is received (FIG. 1).

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the piston 61 has a piston head 120 that isattached to a shaft or stem 122. The piston head 120 has upper and lowerseal members 124 that extend at a slight angle away from the piston head120 in order to seal against the walls of the pump cavity 108. Both thepiston head 120 and the shaft 122 of the piston 61 define a flow passage127 through which the fluid is pumped. At the end of the shaft 122,opposite the piston head 120, the pump head 66 is snap fitted to theshaft 122, as is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it should berecognized that the pump head 66 can be coupled to the shaft 122 inother manners. As illustrated, an outlet nozzle 129 with an outletopening 130 in the pump head 66 is fluidly coupled to the flow passage127 in the shaft 122 so that the fluid from the container 32 can bedispensed to the user. It should be noted that the spring 67 is mountedon the outside of the shaft 122, between the pump head 66 and the pumpcylinder 60, and as a consequence, the spring 67 does not come intocontact with the product being dispensed. As previously noted, this canbe particularly important for pharmaceutical products where it is vitalthat the pharmaceutical product does not come into contact with metal.

The pump 37 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to minimize theamount of fluid that remains at the outlet opening 130 of the pump head66, where the fluid may dry or harden due to contact with air. To remedythis problem, the pump 37 incorporates a suck-back feature in whichfluid in the outlet opening 130 is sucked back into the pump 37. Withreference to FIGS. 1 and 9, the piston 61 has in the flow passage 127 avalve seat or flange 133 with a conical surface 134, against which theoutlet valve member 64 seals. The outlet valve member 64 acts like acheck valve to permit flow of the fluid in only one direction. In theillustrated embodiment, the outlet valve member 64 has a generallyspherical or ball shape, but it should be understood that the outletvalve member 64 can be shaped differently in other embodiments. Forinstance, the outlet valve member 64 in other embodiments can have acylindrical shape. In order to minimize metal contact within the pump37, the outlet valve member 64 in one embodiment is manufactured in anon-metallic material. For example, the outlet valve member 64 in oneembodiment is made of glass; however, a wide range of plastic materialscan also be used in other embodiments. In systems where metal contact isnot a concern, it is contemplated that the outlet valve member 64 can bemade of metal.

Downstream from the valve seat 133, the flow passage 127 has a firstportion 136 that is just slightly larger than the diameter (size) of theoutlet valve member 64 so as to allow movement of the outlet valvemember 64, while still preventing the passage of fluid around the outletvalve member 64. This tight fit between the outlet valve member 64 andthe first portion 136 of the flow passage 127 creates a piston like fitthat is used to draw fluid back from the outlet nozzle 129 during theupstroke of the piston 61. Near the pump head 66, the flow passage 127has a second portion 138 that is larger than the first portion 136 suchthat the second portion 138 is sized large enough to permit fluid toflow around the outlet valve member 64 during the down stroke of thepiston 61. In the second portion 138, the piston 61 has ribs 140 thatcenter the outlet valve member 64 over the first portion 136 so that theoutlet valve member 64 is able to drop back into the first portion, asis shown in FIG. 2. The ribs 140 extend radially inwards and along theaxis of the flow passage 127. Without the ribs 140 or some othercentering structure, the outlet valve member 64 could move to one sidewhich could cause its return to the seat 133 to be delayed, and in theworst case scenario, could cause air to be sucked back into the pumpcavity 108. At one end of the flow passage 127, the pump head 66 has astop member 143 that limits the travel of the outlet valve member 64 tobetween the valve seat 133 and the stop member 143. In otherembodiments, it is contemplated that the pump 37 can further incorporatea spring or other type of biasing device to bias the outlet valve member64 against the valve seat 133. By incorporating this suck back featureinto the piston 61, assembly of the piston mechanism is simplified.

The pump 37 in the illustrated embodiment is a manually operated bypressing on the pump head 66, but it should be appreciated that the pump37 in other embodiments can be automatically actuated. Before use, boththe cap 39 and plug 68 are removed from the pump 37. After the pump head66 is pushed down, the spring 67 causes the piston 61 as well as thepump head 66 to return to an extended position. On this upstroke orintake stroke of the piston 61, the outlet valve member 64 travels fromthe second portion 138 of the flow channel 127 (FIG. 2) to the firstportion 136 (FIG. 1). Once the outlet valve member 64 reaches the firstportion 136, the outlet valve member 64 tightly slides within the firstportion 136 and acts like a virtual piston, which draws back the fluidfrom the outlet nozzle 129 well inboard to a position in the flowpassage 127 above the outlet valve member 64. By drawing the fluid fromthe nozzle 129, the chance of fluid encrusting at the outlet opening 130is reduced. During the upstroke, the outlet valve member 64 eventuallysits in the valve seat 133 to create a vacuum in the pump cavity 108, asis shown in FIG. 1. The vacuum formed in the pump cavity 108 causes theinlet valve member 57 to open, thereby providing a wide through path forthe fluid from the container 32 to enter into the pump cavity 108. Onthe down or dispensing stroke of the pump 37, the inlet valve member 57shuts to prevent the fluid in the pump cavity 108 from being pushed backinto the container 32. The outlet valve 64 lifts off the valve seat 133to allow fluid to be dispensed via the head nozzle 129. Specifically, asthe outlet valve member 64 travels in the first portion 136, the fluidis unable to pass around the outlet valve member 64, but once the outletvalve member 64 reaches the larger second portion 138 of the flowpassage 127, the fluid is able to pass around the outlet valve 57 andout the nozzle 129. Additional fluid can be dispensed by pressing andreleasing the pump head 66 in the manner as described above.

To make sure that the outlet 130 of the nozzle 129 remains clean duringinitial shipment, the nozzle plug 68 is plugged into the nozzle 129 toensure that there is no leakage of the fluid. Looking at FIGS. 10 and11, the plug 68 includes a handle or tab 147 that is used to pull theplug 68 from the nozzle 129 and a plug portion 148 that is plugged intothe outlet opening 130 of the nozzle 129. The plug portion 148incorporates a fine vent channel 150 that is sized small enough toprevent leakage of medium to high viscosity fluids, but allows air toescape during initial priming of the pump 37. To also aid in minimizingleakage during shipping, the pump 37 is covered by the cap 39. The cap39 ensures that the pump head 66 cannot be inadvertently depressedduring transit as well as keeps the dispensing pump 37 in primecondition and clean for display purposes. The cap 39 also enables thetotal package to withstand high top loads, which can result whenquantities of packs are stacked on top of each other.

Before filling the container 32, the follower piston 34 is pre-assembledinto the container 32 and pushed to the bottom position, as is shown inFIG. 1. As mentioned before, the support 46 in the container 32 preventsthe follower piston 34 being pushed too far into the base 47 of thecontainer 32. The design of the pump assembly 30 lends itself to“top-filling” in that the container 32 is normally passed down a fillingline and filled from the top with the fluid or product being initiallydispensed on top of the follower piston 34. In one form, a divingnozzle, which is used to fill the container 32, initially dives insidethe cavity 43 to the bottom of the container 32 immediately above thefollower piston 34 and progressively retracts as the fluid is dispensed.This technique ensures the minimum entrapment of air, which can bedetrimental to the performance of the assembly 30. Once the appropriatefilling level has been achieved, the dispensing pump 37, along with theplug 68 and cap 39, is snap-fitted to the top of the container 32. Inthe process of snapping the dispensing pump 37 to the container 32, thefluid in the container 32 forces the inlet valve member 57 to open andpartially primes the pump cavity 108. The very fine vent channel 150 inthe plug 68 ensures that the entrapped air, which becomes pressurized asthe pump 37 is snapped into place, is allowed to escape so as to ensurethat there is no resistance to the opening of the inlet valve member 57for priming purposes. Venting air through the vent channel 150 furtherreduces the danger of product spillage at the snap-fit between thecontainer 32 and the pump body 55. By pre-priming the pump 37 in such amanner ensures that even with the most viscous fluid, a minimal numberof priming strokes are required in order for the pump 37 to commenceoperation.

A pump assembly 170 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. As should be recognized,the FIG. 12 pump assembly 170 shares a number of features in common withthe pump assembly 30 in FIG. 1. For the sake of clarity as well asbrevity, these common features will not be discussed again in greatdetail below, but reference is made to the previous discussion of thesecommon features. Like before, the pump assembly 170 includes a container172, a follower piston 175 slidably disposed in the container 172, and apump 177 enclosing a container opening 178 of the container 172, as isdepicted in FIG. 13. Opposite the container opening 178, the container172 has a vent opening 179 (FIG. 14) that vents air into (or out of) thecontainer 172 as the piston 175 slides within the container 172. Aroundthe container opening 178, the container 172 has one or more pumpengagement grooves 181 to which the pump 177 is secured in a snap fitmanner. It should be appreciated that the pump 177 as well as othercomponents of the pump assembly 170 can be secured in other manners,besides through a snap fit connection.

On the outside of the container 172, near the container opening 178, thecontainer 172 in FIG. 15 has a skirt engagement flange 183 that definesa skirt groove 185 in which a skirt 188 (FIG. 13) of the pump 177 isreceived. Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 13, with the skirt 188 of thepump 177 tucked inside the skirt groove 185 in the container 172, it isdifficult for someone to gain access to the contents of the container172 without noticeably damaging the pump assembly 170. The pump assembly170 does employ a tamper evidence device 190 that allows a person toopen the container 172 so as to refill the container 172, for example,but at the same time, alerts the user when the container 172 has beenopened for the first time. As shown, the tamper evidence device 190includes a tamper evidence or break tab 192 with one or more frangibleconnections 194 that connect the break tab 192 to the skirt 188. Thebreak tab 192 is able to be broken from the skirt 188 to open a gripopening 197 that allows the user to grip the skirt 188 and pry the skirt188 from the skirt groove 185 in the container 172. After prying theskirt 188 from the skirt groove 185, the user is then able pull the pump177 from the container so that the user can replenish the contents ofthe container 172, if so desired. Subsequently, the user can reattachthe pump 177 to the container 172 so that the pump assembly 170 can beused again. With the break tab 192 removed, other users are informedthat the pump assembly 170 was previously opened. In the illustratedembodiment, the grip opening 197 has a semicircular shape so that afinger, thumb or some other body part can be used to pry the skirt 188from the container 172. As should be appreciated, the grip opening 197can be shaped differently in other embodiments so that the skirt 188 canbe gripped via a tool, such as a screw driver, or other object.

As mentioned before, the follower piston 175 is slidably disposed in thecontainer 172 in order to generally equalize pressure when the pump 177pumps the contents from the container 172. As can be seen in FIG. 16,the follower piston 175 shares a number of features in common with thefollower piston 32 illustrated in FIG. 1, such as the upper and lowerseal members 44. However, the FIG. 16 follower piston 175 has a pumpcontacting surface 201 that is raised so as to be generally flush withthe seal member 44 that is located closets to the pump 177, as isdepicted in FIG. 13. With both the bottom of the pump 177 and the pumpcontacting surface 201 of the follower piston 175 being flat, pump 177and the follower piston 175 can contact one another in a flush mannersuch that almost all of the contents of the container can be dispensed.

With continued reference to FIG. 13, the pump 177 includes a pump shroud203 that is coupled to a pump body or lid 205 and a pump head 208 thatis able to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the shroud 203.Inside, the pump 177 further includes the inlet valve member 57 of FIG.5, which is sandwiched between the pump body 205 and a pump cylinder 211in a manner similar to the one illustrated in the FIG. 1 embodiment. Apump piston 214 with the outlet valve member 64 is slidably disposed inthe pump cylinder 211. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the spring 67 forbiasing the pump head 208 in an extended position is disposed betweenthe pump cylinder 211 and a spring cover 216 that is coupled to the pumphead 208. A nozzle plug 221 is coupled to the pump head 208 in order tominimize fluid leakage during shipping.

In the pump 177, the shroud 203 protects the components of the pump 177from unwanted tampering. Turning to FIG. 17, the shroud 203 defines apump head opening 223 through which the pump head 208 extends andretracts during pumping. The shroud 203 includes a female clip groove225 that secures the shroud 203 to a male clip flange 227 on the pumpbody 205 (FIGS. 18 and 20). Again, it should be appreciated that theshroud 203 and the pump body 205 can be coupled together in othermanners. For example, around the pump head opening 223 in oneembodiment, the shroud 203 can include a pump body engagement flangethat rests against the pump body 205.

Looking at FIGS. 18, 19, 20, and 21, the pump body 205 includes theskirt 188 with the break tab 192 that provides a tamper evidencefeature. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the pump body 205 includes acontainer engagement wall 229 with one or more container engagementridges 231 that secure the pump body 205 with the grooves 181 in thecontainer 172 (FIG. 15). Together, the skirt 188 and the wall 229 form acontainer groove 233 in which the lip of the container 172 is received.A follower piston facing wall 235 extends radially inwards from thecontainer engagement wall 229. In the illustrated embodiment, thefollower piston facing wall 235 is generally flat such that the pumpcontacting surface 201 of the follower piston 175 is able to rest flushagainst the pump body 205, thereby allowing almost complete evacuationof the contents of the container 172. Like the previous embodiments, thepump body 205 defines inlet port 77 through which the contents of thecontainer 172 is supplied. Seal ridge or seat 80, which biases againstand seals with the inlet valve member 57, surrounds the inlet opening77. The pump body 205 further has a connector 238 that extends aroundthe inlet port 77, and the connector 238 has one or more snap grooves 99for securing the pump cylinder 211 to the pump body 205.

To minimize leakage during shipping or in other situations, the pump 177incorporates an up-locking feature in which the pump 177 is able to lockor hold the pump head 208 at the top of its stroke, that is, in an up orextended position. At the end of the connector 238, the pump body 205has one or more lock notches 242, one or more corresponding guide slots244, and one or more stop portions 246. In the illustrated embodiment,the connector 238 has two guide slots 244 that are oriented one-hundredand eighty degrees (180°) apart, but it should be recognized that theslots 244 can be oriented in other manners. As can be seen in FIGS. 22,23, 24 and 25, the spring cover 216 includes one or more guide tabs 248that are configured to extend through and move within the lock notches242 and guide slots 244 of the pump body 205. In the illustratedembodiment, the guide tabs 248 extend outwardly from the spring cover216, but in other embodiments, the guide tabs 248 can extend in otherdirections, such as in an inward direction.

Referring again to FIGS. 19 and 21, the pump body 205 in the locknotches 242 has one or more lock dimples or detents 249 that hold theguide tabs 248 of the spring cover 216 against the stops 246 duringshipping. As should be appreciated, the guide tabs 248 can be held inplace in other manners. When in the lock notches 242, the guide tabs 248on the cover 216 are prevented from moving in a dispensing strokedirection, in other words, the down stroke direction. After shipping,the user can rotate the pump head 208 by sufficient force to disengagethe guide tabs 248 from the lock detents 249. Once the guide tabs 248 ofthe cover 216 are positioned over the guide slots 244 in the pump body205, the pump 177 can operate in a normal fashion and allow fluid to bedispensed by depressing the pump head 208. If so desired, the pump 177can be relocked by rotating the pump head 208 so that the guide tabs 248on the cover 216 disengage from the guide slots 244.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25, the spring cover 216 ishollow, and at one end, the spring cover 216 has one or more limit tabs252 that extend radially inwards to engage the pump cylinder 211 so asto limit the travel of the pump head 208. Opposite the end with thelimit tabs 252, the cover 216 has a pump head engagement portion 255that is configured to engage the pump head 208. In the illustratedembodiment, the head engagement portion 255 has one or more nozzlerelief notches 257 and one or more support relief notches 258 thatrespectively receive one or more curved spout portions 260 and one ormore supports 261 on the pump head 208 (FIG. 26).

As can be seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, the pump head 208 includes an outletnozzle 263 with outlet opening 130 that fluidly communicates with apiston connector 265. The piston connector 265 is configured to attachto the pump piston 214. Inside, the piston connector 265 has stop member143, which limits the travel of the outlet valve member 64, andcentering ribs 266 around the stop member 143 for centering the valvemember 64. An outer sleeve 268 surrounds the piston connector 265, andat one end, the outer sleeve 268 has one or more guide tab notches 269that receive the guide tabs 248 on the spring cover 216 such that thepump head 208 and the spring cover 216 rotate in unison. The pistonconnector 265 in FIG. 27 has one or more piston engagement ribs 270 thatengage one or more grooves 271 on the pump piston 214 in a snap fitmanner, as is illustrated in FIG. 28.

As should be recognized, the pump piston 214 in FIG. 28 shares a numberof features in common with the piston 61 that is illustrated in FIG. 9.For example, the pump piston 214 in FIG. 28 includes the piston head120, the shaft 122, the seal members 124, the flow passage 127 and thevalve seat 133 with the conical surface 134 of the types described abovewith reference to FIG. 9. The spring 67 is mounted on the outside of theshaft 122, and as a consequence, the spring 67 does not come intocontact with the product being dispensed. Like before, the outlet valvemember 64 acts like a check valve to permit flow of the fluid in onlyone direction by sealing against the valve seat 133. The pump piston 214further incorporates the suck back feature from the FIG. 9 embodiment.The flow passage 127 has a first portion 136 that is just slightlylarger than the diameter (size) of the outlet valve member 64 so as toallow movement of the outlet valve member 64, while still preventing thepassage of fluid around the outlet valve member 64. This tight fitbetween the outlet valve member 64 and the first portion 136 of the flowpassage 127 creates a piston like fit that is used to draw fluid backduring the upstroke of the piston 214. The flow passage 127 further hasa second portion 138 that is larger than the first portion 136 such thatthe second portion 138 is sized large enough to permit fluid to flowaround the outlet valve member 64 during the down stroke of the piston61. In the second portion 138, the piston 61 has ribs 140 that centerthe outlet valve member 64 over the first portion 136. In one form, thepiston head 120 for the pump piston 214 in FIG. 28 has one or more stopmembers 273 that limit the travel of the piston 214.

Referring again to FIG. 13, the pump piston 214 is slidably disposed inthe pump cylinder 211. Looking at FIG. 29, the pump cylinder 211 has oneor more snap ridges 101 on a body engagement flange 103 that extend fromthe pump cylinder 211 to engage the snap grooves 99 in the connector 238of the pump body 205 (FIG. 20). At the end facing the inlet valve member57, the pump cylinder 211 has a retention ridge 275 that clamps againstthe support member 85 on the inlet valve member 57 to hold the inletvalve member 52 over the inlet port 77 in the pump body 205. The pumpcylinder 211 defines a pump cavity or chamber 278 in which the piston214 is slidably received. Piston guide 280 with guide opening 112extends within the pump cavity 108 of the pump cylinder 211, and guideflange 114 extends around the guide opening 112. Together, the pistonguide 280 and the guide flange 114 define a spring retention groove 281in which the spring 67 is received (FIG. 13). Unlike the FIG. 7embodiment, the retention flange 280 in the FIG. 29 pump cylinder 211does not jut out from the pump cylinder 211 in order to minimize theprofile of the pump cylinder 211. As illustrated, the pump cylinder 211further includes a cover retention flange 283 that is configured toengage the limit tabs 252 on the spring cover 216 (FIG. 24) during theupstroke so as to retain the cover 216.

Unlike the FIG. 1 embodiment, the nozzle plug 221 for the FIG. 13embodiment does not incorporate the vent slot channel 150. Rather, asshown in FIG. 30, the nozzle plug 221 has a seal member 285 thatcompletely seals the outlet opening 130 of the pump head 208 to minimizeleakage. Before dispensing the contents of the container 172, the nozzleplug 221 is removed, and if so desired, the nozzle plug 221 can bere-inserted into the pump 208 after use.

As mentioned previously, during shipping and/or before use, the pumphead 208 is oriented in a locked position where the pump head 208 isunable to be pressed downwards to dispense the product. Locking the pump208 reduces the chance of fluid leakage during shipping as well as inother situations. When the pump head 208 is in the locked position, theguide tabs 248 are disengaged from the guide slots 244 in the pump body205, and the detents 249 on the pump body 205 retain the guide tabs 248in the lock notches 242 and against the stops 246 (FIG. 20). As notedabove, the guide tab notches 269 on the pump head 208 (FIG. 27) engagethe guide tabs 248 on the spring cover 216 (FIG. 25) such that thespring cover 216 rotates when the pump head 208 is rotated. Before usingthe pump assembly 170, the user rotates the pump head 208 such that theguide tabs 248 disengage from the detents 249 and the guide tabs 248 arerotated over the guide slots 248, thereby unlocking the pump 177.

Once the pump head 208 is rotated to an unlocked position, the pump 177in FIG. 13 operates in generally the same fashion as the one describedwith reference to FIG. 1. The pump 177 in the illustrated embodiment isa manually operated by pressing on the pump head 208, but it should beappreciated that the pump 177 in other embodiments can be automaticallyactuated. After the pump head 208 is pushed down, the spring 67 causesthe piston 214 as well as the pump head 208 to return to an extendedposition. On this upstroke or intake stroke of the piston 214, theoutlet valve member 64 travels from the second portion 138 of the flowchannel 127 to the first portion 136, as is depicted in FIG. 28. Oncethe outlet valve member 64 reaches the first portion 136, the outletvalve member 64 tightly slides within the first portion 136 and actslike a virtual piston, which draws back the fluid from the outlet nozzle263 well inboard to a position in the flow passage 127 above the outletvalve member 64. By drawing the fluid from the nozzle 263, the chance offluid encrusting at the outlet opening 130 is reduced. During theupstroke, the outlet valve member 64 eventually sits in the valve seat133 to create a vacuum in the pump cavity. The vacuum formed in the pumpcavity causes the inlet valve member 57 to open, thereby providing awide through path for the fluid from the container 32 to enter into thepump cavity. On the down or dispensing stroke of the pump 177, the inletvalve member 57 shuts to prevent the fluid in the pump cavity from beingpushed back into the container 32. The outlet valve 64 lifts off thevalve seat 133 to allow fluid to be dispensed via the head nozzle 263.Specifically, as the outlet valve member 64 travels in the first portion136, the fluid is unable to pass around the outlet valve member 64, butonce the outlet valve member 64 reaches the larger second portion 138 ofthe flow passage 127, the fluid is able to pass around the outlet valve57 and out the nozzle 263. Additional fluid can be dispensed by repeatedpressing and releasing of the pump head 208 in the manner as describedabove. After use, the user can rotate the pump head 208 so that the pump177 is again locked, if so desired.

A pump assembly 290 that includes a tamper evidence feature according toanother embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32. The tamperevidence feature in FIG. 31 can be used as an alternative for or inaddition to other types tamper evidence features. As shown, the pumpassembly 290 includes an airless dispensing pump 292 with the samecomponents as the pump assembly 170 illustrated in FIG. 13, except for afew modifications to its follower piston 293 and pump head 294. Inparticular, as shown in FIG. 31, the follower piston 293 includes asupport flange 295 that rests against the closed end of the container172 when the container is full. Looking at FIG. 32, the pump head 294has an outer sleeve 296 with a relief notch 297 that receives a tamperevidence ring (TER) or strap 300. Among its many functions, the tamperevidence ring 300 locks the pump head 294 in the extended or upstrokeposition. As can be seen, the tamper evidence ring 300 is wrapped aroundthe outer sleeve 296 of the pump head 294 in the relief notch 297. Oneside of the tamper evidence ring 300 rests against an engagement edge302 of the notch 297. The other side of the tamper evidence ring 300rests against the pump shroud 203. The tamper evidence ring 300 includesan attachment strap or loop 307 that is wrapped around the pump head 294and a nozzle plug 309 that is coupled to the attachment strap 307 in amanner such that the nozzle plug 309 is able to be torn from theattachment strap 309. The nozzle plug 309 includes a seal portion 311that is fitted into the outlet opening 130 of the pump head 294 in orderto reduce leakage.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate the configuration of the tamper evidence ring300 before initial use of the pump 292, such as during shipping andinitial storage. With the attachment strap 307 disposed between theengagement edge 302 of the pump head 294 and the pump shroud 203, thepump 292 is prevented from being actuated. Before the pump 292 is used,the nozzle plug 309 is torn from the attachment strap 307, which in turnbreaks the strap 307, thereby permitting actuation of the pump 292. Withthe nozzle plug 309 torn off the strap, the nozzle plug 309 can then beused to re-plug the outlet opening 130.

Referring to FIG. 33, the attachment strap 307 has one or more breakableportions 314 near the nozzle plug 309 that are narrower than the rest ofthe rest of the attachment strap 307. In the embodiment shown, twobreakable portions 314 are positioned on opposite sides of the nozzleplug 309 that break the strap upon removal of the plug 309. Duringassembly, ends 317 of the attachment strap 307 are secured together. Theends 317 have fingers 319 that engage one another in an interlockingfashion. The inner radial fingers 319 use a lock tab type connection tosecure the ends together. Once the ends 317 are snapped together, theends 317 cannot be easily broken. It is envisioned that in otherembodiments the ends 317 can be connected in other manners. In theillustrated embodiment, the attachment strap 307 has a generallycircular shape, but it should be understood that the attachment strap307 can be shaped differently depending on the shape of the pump head294.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate a pump assembly 324 that includes a pump head326 that has a wrap under tamper evidence plug 328 according to anotherembodiment. The tamper evidence plug 328 is generally Z-shaped with abarbed lock insert 330 that is inserted into a lock notch 332 in thepump head 326. In the depicted embodiment, the tamper evidence plug 328is pivotally coupled to a rim 327 of the pump head 326 via a livinghinge, but in other embodiments, the tamper evidence plug 328 can becoupled to the pump head 326 in other manners. The lock notch 332 ispositioned near the pump shroud 203, and once the barbed lock insert 330is pivoted to engage the lock notch 332, the tamper evidence plug 328forms a brace between the rim 327 of the pump head 326 and the pumpshroud 203, thereby preventing the pump head 326 from being depressed.

The tamper evidence plug 328 has a pull tab 334 that is grasped by theuser in order to remove the plug 328 prior to use. To remove the tamperevidence plug 328, the user pulls on the pull tab 334 such that theliving hinge between the plug 328 and the pump head 326 is broken, andthe barbed lock insert 330 is pulled from the lock notch 332. Once thetamper evidence plug 328 is removed, the pump head 326 can be actuatedso as to dispense the contents of the container 172.

With reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, a pump assembly 340 according toanother embodiment includes a tamper evidence feature that includes ananti-rotation tab 343 that prevents rotation of the pump head 345. Pumpmechanism 347 in FIG. 36 operates in a fashion similar to the oneillustrated in FIG. 13, in that, to actuate the pump 347, the pump head345 needs to be rotated to an unlocked position. During assembly, thetab 343 is inserted into an anti-rotation slot 348 in the pump head 345,in the direction as indicted by direction arrow 349 in FIG. 36. Insidethe pump head 345, the spring cover 216 has a tab slot 350 that receivesthe anti-rotation tab 343. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the pump cylinder211 has a connector 353 that is configured to secure the end of theanti-rotation tab 343 to the pump cylinder 211. The connector 353includes a biasing tab 355 that is bendable and a barbed lock tab 356that engages a barbed end 358 of the anti-rotation tab 343. Duringinsertion, the barbed end 358 of the anti-rotation tab 343 slides alongthe barbed lock tab 356 in the connector 353, and the biasing tab 355presses and holds the barbed end 358 of the anti-rotation tab 343 inengagement with the barbed lock tab 356. The anti-rotation tab 343further has a bend portion 359 that biases the barbed end 358 intoengagement with the connector 353, which in turn reduces the chance ofdisengagement. Near the connector 353, the anti-rotation tab 343 has aslot 360 that forms opposing break portions 363. It should be recognizedthat other embodiments can include more or less break portions 363 thanshown and/or include other types of frangible structures. Before use,the user pulls on a bent grip portion 365 of the anti-rotation tab 343such that break portions 363 break in order to allow for the removal ofthe anti-rotation tab 343. With the break portions 363 broken, theanti-rotation tab 343 cannot be reattached to the pump head 345, andconsequently, provides evidence of someone tampering with the pumpassembly 340. Once the anti-rotation tab 343 is removed, the pump head345 can be rotated to the position that allows pumping.

A pump assembly 370 that incorporates a tamper evidence featureaccording to a further embodiment will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 38, 39 and 40. In the illustrated embodiment, a dual plugnozzle cover 372 is inserted into a nozzle 374 of a pump head 375, afterthe functionality of the pump has been tested. As shown, the nozzlecover 372 includes two plugs, a first plug 376 and a second plug 377,that extend from a pull tab 378 of the cover 372 in an opposing fashion.In other embodiments, the plugs 376, 377 can other orientations. Thefirst plug 376 has a series of serrations 379 that engage correspondingserrations 381 inside the nozzle 374. The serrations 379 on the firstplug 376 are configured to retain the first plug 379 inside the nozzle374 such that the first plug 376 cannot be easily removed without beingdamaged. As can be seen in FIG. 38, the first plug 376 is hollow anddefines a plug cavity 383 that is sized to receive the second plug 377.Near the pull tab 378, the nozzle cover 372 has a frangible section 385that is thinner than the rest of the first plug 376 so that the firstplug 376 can be detached from the nozzle cover 372. As mentioned before,the second plug 377 is sized to fit inside the plug cavity 383 when thefirst plug 376 is detached from the nozzle cover 372. Before shipping,the first plug 376 is inserted into the nozzle 374 to prevent leakageduring shipping as well as before initial use. Prior to use, the userpulls the nozzle cover 372 from the nozzle 374 via the pull tab 378. Asthe nozzle cover 372 is pulled, the frangible section 385 breaks suchthat the first plug 376 remains inside the nozzle 374 as evidence thatthe nozzle cover 372 was removed. When the pump head 375 pumps thefluid, the fluid passes through the plug cavity 383. If so desired, theuser can reseal the nozzle 374 by inserting the second plug 377 into theplug cavity 383. The second plug 377 is configured to be repeatedlyremoved and reinserted into the nozzle 374.

A pump assembly 390 with a tamper evidence feature according to stillyet another embodiment is depicted in FIG. 41. As shown, a nozzle coversheet or foil 392 seals the outlet opening 130 of the pump head 177. Thecover sheet 392 is sealed to the pump head 177 after the functionalityof the pump is tested. In one form, the nozzle cover sheet 392 isattached to the pump head 177 via heat sealing, but it should beappreciated that the nozzle cover sheet 392 can be attached in othermanners, such as through an adhesive. The nozzle cover sheet 392 has apull tab 394 for pulling the nozzle cover sheet 392 from the pump headprior to use. The pump assembly 390 in FIG. 41 further includes aprotective cap 396 that provides additional protection for the coversheet 392. After the cover sheet 392 is removed, the user can refit theprotective cap 396 over outlet opening 130 of the pump head 177 forhygienic purposes, if so desired. In one form, the protective cap 396 ismade of plastic, but the protective cap 396 can be made of othermaterials in other embodiments.

FIG. 42 illustrates a further embodiment in which a pump assembly 400includes a pump cap 403 that covers the pump head 177. After thefunction of the pump is tested during assembly, the cap 403 is fittedover the pump head 177 in order to prevent accidental actuation of thepump. In one form, the pump cap 403 is detachably coupled to the skirt188 of the pump body 205 via a tear off band 405 with a pull tab 407.Before initial use, the user tears off the band 405 by pulling on thepull tab 407. After use, the user can recover the pump 177 with the cap403, if so desired.

It should be recognized that the tamper evidence features of the abovedescribed embodiments can be used individually or together in variouscombinations. Further, it is envisioned that the tamper evidencefeatures can be modified for use with other types of pumps, besidesthose shown in the drawings.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit ofthe inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected.All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individualpublication, patent, or patent application were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth inits entirety herein.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A pump assembly, comprising: a pump including anozzle opening; and a nozzle cover including a pull tab, a first plugextending from the pull tab and a second plug extending from the pulltab, the first plug defining a plug cavity sized to receive the secondplug, the first plug being secured in the nozzle opening and having afrangible portion for separating the first plug from the pull tab. 21.The pump assembly of claim 20, further comprising: the first plugincluding serrations to retain the first plug in the nozzle opening. 22.The pump assembly of claim 21, further comprising: the nozzle openingincluding serrations engaging the serrations of the first plug.
 23. Thepump assembly of claim 20, in which the first plug and the second plugextend in an opposing fashion.
 24. The pump assembly of claim 20, inwhich the frangible portion is thinner than the rest of the first plug.25. The pump assembly of claim 24, further comprising: a containerincluding a skirt flange with a skirt groove; and the pump including askirt received in the skirt groove, the skirt including a break tab thatis configured to form a grip opening once the break tab is removed forpermitting removal of the pump from the container.
 26. A method,comprising: leaving an identifier at a nozzle that a nozzle coversealing the nozzle was removed from the nozzle; and resealing the nozzlewith the nozzle cover.
 27. The method of claim 26, in which said leavingthe identifier at the nozzle includes detaching a portion of the nozzlecover that remains with the nozzle.
 28. The method of claim 27, in whichthe portion that remains with the nozzle includes a plug.
 29. The methodof claim 28, in which said detaching the portion of the nozzle coverincludes breaking a frangible section of the plug.
 30. The method ofclaim 28, in which said leaving the identifier at the nozzle includesleaving the plug inside the nozzle.
 31. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising dispensing fluid through a plug cavity defined in the plugafter said leaving the identifier at the nozzle.
 32. The method of claim31, in which said resealing includes plugging the plug cavity with asecond plug of the nozzle cover.
 33. The method of claim 32, in whichsaid leaving the identifier at the nozzle includes pulling a pull tab ofthe nozzle cover.
 34. The method of claim 26, in which said leaving theidentifier at the nozzle includes pulling a pull tab of the nozzlecover.
 35. The method of claim 26, in which: the nozzle cover includes afirst plug with a frangible section and a second plug, the first plugdefines a plug cavity; said leaving the identifier at the nozzleincludes keeping the first plug inside the nozzle by breaking thefrangible section; dispensing fluid through the plug cavity of the firstplug after the frangible section is broken; and plugging the plug cavitywith the second plug.
 36. An apparatus, comprising: a pump including anozzle for dispensing fluid; and a nozzle cover sealing the nozzle, thenozzle cover including means for identifying that the nozzle cover wasremoved from the nozzle, and means for resealing the nozzle with thenozzle cover.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36, in which the means foridentifying that the nozzle cover was removed from the nozzle includes afirst plug with a frangible section.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, inwhich the first plug includes a plug cavity through which the fluid isdispensed.
 39. The apparatus of claim 36, in which the means forresealing the nozzle with the nozzle cover includes a second plug.